Do I Deserve a Boutique Bass?

[HolmeBass]

I’m sure it’s been said already, but...

“Deserve’s got nothing to do with it.”

 

[No Malarky]

If all that I have is based on what is deserved, I doubt I would be typing this.

 

[Bass Viking]

A big plus is that the OP has actually been able to play a Dingwall and thus knows what he’s getting into. So often with boutique instruments it’s buying without trying.

 

[electracoyote]

Life is short. You can't take it with you. Make yourself happy.

 

[Hankenstein]

yes

 

[Bass Man Dan]

If all that I have is based on what is deserved, I doubt I would be typing this.

Yeah, if I had the bass I deserved, it would be a bass that made me stop playing bass.

 

[BlueTalon]

What an odd thought process. Unless there’s a shortage of running shoes how are you depriving someone else?

Seriously. They will make more, I'm pretty sure.

 

[Haroldo]

Got the dinero? Get the Camaro.

 

[Blueinred]

I play polka , recommendations?

using this for my blues gig
View attachment 4260553

This will work for a polka gig.

 

[Rockbobmel]

An AB-1 is not a "boutique" bass - per se, but an extremely well made, playing, functioning bass that has extremely good value per cost. I consider them a Lexus of basses. I have had, FBass, Spector, Lakland, and the Dingwall AB1-5 is my sweetest bass. I gig with it and my FrankenFender.
Go and buy it, they are getting scarce.

I forgot to mention, I modded it with big singles and an OBP-3.


.

 

[jazzyvee]

Bass ownership is not decided by merit!

That has always been my view. I will never reach the heights of Stanley Clarke or Jimmy Johnson who are alembic players but i have basses the same models as both of them play and i enjoy playing them. I saved hard for them, and i consider them they are my personal reward to myself for my life in music. Life is too short as it is, to the OP, if you can afford it and it's what you want, why fight it?

 

[Watchootognbout]

If you can afford it without doing yourself financial injury,have at it.

 

[Beej]

Life’s short, do it!

 

[dasherf17]

Ok so i laid my hands on a Dingwall Combustion and was very impressed. I didn't play one, but the local dealer has an AB1 Afterburner in stock. I am very very tempted by that. I understand the difference among the Canadian basses and they seem worth it. Honestly it's actually rare that I'm in the position to afford one. I am only half joking about deserving it, but I really am a hack. I see players better that me constantly. In fact most seem to be especially among my age. My only real confidence stems from the fact that other people want me to play for them. I have never considered that kind of money for a bass, but that B string is to die for. Even the Combustion makes my Stingray 5 feel like an old clunker! Aaaaaagh!!

If I can say ANYTHING helpful, it's to say "yes"...music is the passion, you want the best sound coming from "you"...it's your desire...do it...yes, you (as we all) deserve a boutique bass...again, do it...

 

[dasherf17]

I'm a hack and I own some very nice instruments. I like them, I can afford them and they inspire me to work hard at becoming a better player. Seems like a win all around to me.

I like that angle...you hear different tones from a higher end bass, inspiring a different approach to your part. Nice!

 

[Doug P]

Speaking for myself.... if you will put hours on it, it makes you feel good .... buy it. Think of it as a forever bass and not think about the resale value later on, because if you think of it that way you’ll always have that messing up your mind. I have found that a good bass, wood , electronics, hardware and add a custom neck is what I’ve done. When “everyone “ says it plays awesome or.... it’s the neck they are talking about right ???

 

[Bartrinsic]

An AB-1 is not a "boutique" bass - per se, . . .
I forgot to mention, I modded it with big singles and an OBP-3.

I was just about to ask, 'what are those pups'--Nice! Keep it locked up if you see me around!

 

[Doug P]

To add a word or two .... talking with my wife one day and she was pretending to listen to my rambling of bass talk and then she said something!! It was like.... “ hey don’t violins and those big basses cost a fortune “
?? “ My cousin had a violin that cost big bucks and she was in high school” So, is ( whatever the amount of $ I was talking about ) really that much for a custom guitar ?? She had a point ya know.

 

[Neill Graham]

Ok so i laid my hands on a Dingwall Combustion and was very impressed. I didn't play one, but the local dealer has an AB1 Afterburner in stock. I am very very tempted by that. I understand the difference among the Canadian basses and they seem worth it. Honestly it's actually rare that I'm in the position to afford one. I am only half joking about deserving it, but I really am a hack. I see players better that me constantly. In fact most seem to be especially among my age. My only real confidence stems from the fact that other people want me to play for them. I have never considered that kind of money for a bass, but that B string is to die for. Even the Combustion makes my Stingray 5 feel like an old clunker! Aaaaaagh!!

There's an old saying: "Folks don't always get what they deserve." So... if you have a chance to get one and you really really need it to quell that clenched up whirlpool in your gut, go for it! I am really impressed that other people want you to play for them! You need a good sounding piece of wood to give the respect you feel in that gift you have. Wish I could hear some of your music sometime.

 

[Rockbobmel]

I was just about to ask, 'what are those pups'--Nice! Keep it locked up if you see me around!

Nordstrand will wind Big Singles with the poles in reverse also. I got these here on a trade (I think) and they work perfectly.